News & Commentary Straight from Think HQ

Not all social media platforms are created equal, but they do all have their strengths when promoting your NGO.

Knowing what to post on each platform (and why) can be tricky, but understanding the ins and outs of each tool is an important first step in using them effectively.

Below are a few tips to help you navigate some of the most popular social networking sites.

Facebook

• Celebrate your success – As an NGO, your followers are likely to be genuinely interested in what you’re doing. Facebook has a broad reach and allows varied content types to be posted, so it’s a great platform for sharing your success. People want to be a part of success stories, so sharing in your victories along the way can also get more people involved.

• Be consistent - Most of the time, after the initial page ‘like,’ users won’t return to your Facebook page. From then on you’ll probably only reach them through their own news feed, so post consistently in order to stay connected.

Nothing is stronger than hearing someone’s personal experience to highlight the importance of an issue and make a message hit home.

Putting a human face (a case study) to the topic helps frame the issue, entice the journalist and often has a powerful impact on readers. However, sourcing someone with a compelling story, who is prepared to talk about their experience is often easier said than done.

It often takes courage to share a personal experience and while you may know of someone who is happy to tell their story publically, the process of doing a media interview can still be a daunting one. Your case study will most likely have little (if any) experience with the media, and may not understand what the process will involve.

Over the years, we’ve worked with many clients to raise awareness about various social causes where case study management was crucial to media engagement. Below are a few tips that will help you manage the process smoothly.

During our Deconstructing Digital workshop, many participants were keen to pick up tips on improving social media content and engagement.

This is what our Graphic Designer, Georgie, and Digital Strategist, Jane, advised.

Use better images

Social media content is more engaging when it is visually appealing. Avoid grainy or pixelated photos, and opt for powerful infographics, quotes and high quality images.

We recommend building up a database of your own images, or use free stock images on sites like Unsplash or Pexels.

Find the face behind the story

We’re naturally attracted to emotions and stories we can relate to. When trying to communicate a message or event, a human element should be incorporated to add impact and leave a long-lasting impression.

Make events digitally interactive

With the rise of shareable bite-size videos on various social media platforms, create a Snapchat GeoFilterand have your attendees promote your event by sharing branded snapchats. The more unique and fun...

Last night I had the pleasure of hosting and moderating a panel event for more than 70 PR and communication students, from universities across Victoria. Joining me on the panel were three incredible speakers, Chris Burns, Fiona McGregor and Alex Lefley, who told students what to expect in your first few years in the communication industry. Their stories, tips and advice were great and probably things we can all relate to.

Here are my top ten takeaways from the night.

1. University will not prepare you for work life

Full time work will be a shock to your system. While universities will arm you with skills and knowledge, you will most likely have little idea of what you’re doing when working on your first few projects. Understand that the first few months will be particularly challenging, and that is completely normal. Do your best.

2. Learn how to be an active listener

You might think you have the answers and know the best way to do things, but you probably don’t. In the first...